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This podcast is all about bringing joy through storytelling and conversation, with two shows. The Joy of Baseball Show is all about baseball from the sandlots to the big leagues and everything in between, my guest and I will share our joy for the game with you. The Conchs Show is all about celebrating the incredible people of Key West and their stories from every corner of our Conch Community.
So whether you’re a fan of baseball or good storytelling you’ll be entertained and each episode will bring a little joy to your day
74 Episodes
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In this engaging conversation, Billy Wardlow shares his extensive journey in baseball, from his early days in Key West to his current role with the Toronto Blue Jays. He reflects on the excitement of the World Series, the importance of building relationships within the sport, and the challenges of equipment management. Wardlow also offers valuable advice for young athletes and emphasizes the significance of community and passion in sports. Talk to Joy Support the show
We sit down with Coach Tommy Butler to map the identity of Key West High School basketball—defense first, relentless pace, and a standard built on connection. Discussing feeder programs to family legacy on Bill Butler Court, the path back to district glory runs through toughness, shooting reps, and the community that shows up. • team identity of pressure defense, rebounding, and transition • renewed shooting focus and no-missed-layups standard • home schedule highlights and revived rivalries...
We celebrate Special Olympics champion and Hall of Famer Jennifer Averett, from Seattle gold to Key West homecomings, and explore how volunteers, coaches, and art fuel her life of Conch Pride. Stories span three decades of competition, deep family roots, and a call to support Monroe County athletes. • Thirty-plus years competing across stand-up paddle, swimming, soccer, cycling • Seattle national games gold and the airport homecoming • Hall of Fame induction and what it represents • Co...
In this conversation, Joy Nulisch speaks with Atavia about the inception and mission of Helping Hands of the Florida Keys, a nonprofit organization created to support working-class families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the importance of community trust, the challenges of running a nonprofit, and the significance of family legacy in community service. Atavia shares personal stories about the impact of the organization, especially during the holiday season, and emphasizes ...
We sit with community champion Michelle Mira Cohen to trace how the Key West Junior Football League blends legacy, and service into a living tradition on George Mira Field. It takes a village keeps Conch pride alive. • Legacy of George Mira and meaning of the field name • 24 years of service and the league’s 63-year history • Community outreach, celebrity chain gang, and volunteers • Honoring coaches and naming the press box for Wayne Goldstein • Giving back to the city • All-star games, raf...
A true Conch story of how a simple kickball league becomes a weekly ritual, keeps families close, and turns local pride into action. Michael Henriquez shares how mentors, multi-sport grit, and a deep family legacy shape coaching, camps, and community. • Why a weekly kickball league beats one-day tournaments • How “mid-game madness” cards make play inclusive and fun • Eight teams, playoffs planned, and a kids’ day on deck • Family nights at the ballpark and community connection • Baseball cam...
We share how a small island built a big-time wrestling culture, and why adversity, family, and year-round work keep Key West competing with anyone. Coach Chaz traces the program’s roots, his own injury-to-purpose journey, and the rise of girls’ wrestling. • founding of the Conch Republic Wrestling Club and early mentors • synergy between wrestling and football for leverage, footwork and mindset • state placers, record-setters and the validation of first titles • injury, identity loss and ret...
Miguel Menendez, head coach of Tampa Jesuit Tigers baseball, shares his journey from Key West to leading one of Florida's premier high school programs. His deep family roots in baseball and coaching philosophy emphasize character development alongside athletic excellence. • Comes from a legendary Key West baseball family including grandfather "Papa John" Menendez, "the Dean of Kennedy Drive" • Won state championship as a player at Key West High in 1995 and national championship at University...
Andrew Freeman, Key West High School's Athletic Director, shares an inside look at the thriving sports programs and upcoming season for the Conchs. The conversation covers everything from their exciting football victory to the breadth of sports offerings and student participation. • Football team secured a thrilling 35-34 win against Homestead with over 400 yards rushing • The Van Carthon Preseason Classic honored NFL executive and Key West alum Ran Carthon • Key West secured 8 home football...
When a lifelong Miami Marlins supporter and a devoted Yankees fan cross paths at LoanDepot Park, baseball magic happens. Abel Restrain radiates pure passion for America's pastime, captivating everyone around him with his infectious energy and encyclopedic knowledge of the game. Abel's journey from Nicaragua—where baseball reigns supreme—to becoming Miami's most enthusiastic Marlins fan offers a fascinating glimpse into how baseball creates identity and community. His vivid storytelling trans...
Coach Judd Wise shares his journey through 40 years in Key West sports as a teacher, coach, athletic director, broadcaster, and now historian preserving the island's rich athletic legacy. His passion for documenting Key West's sporting achievements has uncovered remarkable statistics about local athletes who reached professional levels, including six Major League Baseball players, ten NFL players, and numerous state champions. • Started coaching in early 1980s at Mary Immaculate High School ...
We're midway through the baseball season with the Yankees sitting between the Blue Jays and Red Sox, and despite some challenges, there are plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about our chances for the remainder of the season. • Aaron Judge continues to chase history while adding to the Yankees legacy • Giancarlo Stanton has found his swing again • Jason Dominguez proving he's the real deal in the leadoff spot • Bellinger, Goldschmidt and Williams have settled in and are performing well • B...
Jewls and Jade Castillo, sisters and former Lady Conchs softball players, share their journey from players to coaches and their passion for developing the next generation of talent at Key West High School. • Attending the College World Series in June – a dream trip with record attendance of over 100,000 people • Professional softball's growing popularity with the AUSL now sponsored by Major League Baseball • The sisters' softball journey from Kennedy Drive's Rosa Hernandez Field to college s...
The MLB Draft highlights the dominance of shortstops, with the first 10 picks being pitchers or shortstops and six coming from high school, including two from Corona High School. History was made when 17-year-old Elis Willits became the youngest #1 pick ever, while the Marlins selected Max Williams from FSU, creating mixed emotions for fans with complicated relationships with the franchise. • Shortstops and pitchers dominated the draft, with high school players taking 6 of the top 10 spots •...
The Yankees are experiencing a frustrating summer slump with defensive issues and pitching injuries, losing their division lead as Clayton Kershaw makes MLB history by becoming just the 20th pitcher to record 3,000 career strikeouts. Toronto Blue Jays and Miami Marlins are the hot teams heading into the All-Star break, with the former taking the lead in the AL East and the latter climbing out of the division basement. • Yankees playing poorly with sloppy defense, lazy at-bats, and bullpen st...
The LSU Tigers have claimed their eighth national championship by sweeping Coastal Carolina in the College World Series. Controversy emerged when two Coastal Carolina coaches were ejected in the first inning of Game 2 for arguing balls and strikes, highlighting issues with umpire overreach in championship games. • LSU has now won two championships in three years, cementing their dynasty status • Coastal Carolina earned respect with competitive, fundamental baseball despite the loss • Ejectio...
Coach Joey Gonzalez shares how the Marathon Dolphins baseball program has transformed into one of South Florida's hottest teams, capturing back-to-back conference championships and their first district title in 2025. He reveals the program-building philosophy that combines academics with athletics, explaining how his coaching staff has created a complete development pathway from youth leagues through high school. • Marathon's 2025 season included hosting regionals with record crowds of 600 f...
Baseball's biggest week has arrived with eight teams battling in Omaha for the College World Series championship. The double elimination tournament kicks off Friday, June 13th and culminates with a three-game championship series beginning Saturday the 21st. • Arizona, Coastal Carolina, Louisville, and Oregon on one side of the bracket • Murray State, UCLA, LSU, and Arkansas on the other side • Controversy over LSU and Arkansas being on the same side of the bracket • Murray State ...
College baseball's Super Regionals are officially here with 16 teams battling in best-of-three series to determine which eight will advance to the College World Series in Omaha. The Regional round saw major upsets with top-ranked teams like Vanderbilt, Texas, Georgia, Oregon and Clemson all eliminated early. • Stetson Hatters players Isaiah Barkett and Lorenzo Meola earned tournament honors despite team elimination • Key West native Felix Ong closed one for the Florida Gators • Florida State...
In this special "Hits from the Vault" episode, Joy shares her personal favorite from the Bring Joy archives. Originally released in May 2021, this lyrical love letter to Key West captures the quintessential summertime vibe of the southernmost island. Joy describes the piece as existing "somewhere between a postcard and a poem," which perfectly captures what living in Key West feels like—a blessed reality she never takes for granted. A whispered "Buenos dias from Cayo Hueso" opens the door to ...
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